Eligibility Criteria
In order to apply to UWC schools and colleges through the National Committee of Great Britain, candidates must meet our eligibility criteria.
The National Committee understands that every case is different and special circumstances are taken into consideration by the National Committee. If you are unsure of your status or have any questions about the eligibility criteria please contact us on applications@uwcgb.org.
Age Requirements
Candidates must be aged 16 or 17 on the the 1st of September of the year they aim to enter a UWC. Most UWC schools and colleges are only for students of sixth form age. Although some UWCs are for students of other ages, UWC Great Britain does not select students for the lower years.
England and Wales: To be considered for a place at a UWC through the National Committee of Great Britain you would generally apply while you are in (or about to enter) your last year of GCSEs or your first year of AS-Levels (or equivalent).
Scotland: To be considered for a place at a UWC through the National Committee of Great Britain you would generally apply while you are in (or about to enter) your fourth or fifth year of high school (S4 or S5) - sitting either National 4, National 5 or Scottish Higher courses.
If you have skipped a year at school or are in other unusual circumstances, please contact us to confirm.
Residency/Citizenship Requirements
Candidates who apply to UWC through UWC Great Britain will be representing Great Britain at United World Colleges across the world.
Therefore, to apply through us, you must have lived in the UK for at least three years prior to applying or hold a British passport. You are eligible if you are British but you live overseas, though you may wish to contact the National Committee of the country you are resident in as well. You must be able to provide a British passport or other proof of British citizenship.
Final Assessment Availability
Candidates who apply through UWC Great Britain must be able to attend Final Assessment either online or at Atlantic College. Please see key dates for the exact timing of the Assessment Days.
What if I'm not eligible?
If you are not eligible to apply through UWC Great Britain, then it is likely you will be able to apply to attend a UWC through an alternative National Committee. Click here to find your own National Committee, and email info@uwcio.uwc.org if you are unsure.
What is the GSP application route?
The UWC Global Selections Program (GSP) is an application route for the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) for a limited number of places at some UWCs. The UWC Global Selection Programme is coordinated by UWC International and the UWC schools directly. Currently, you can apply to 15 of the 18 UWC international schools and colleges via this route. Applicants who choose the GSP route forgo financial assistance (ie they will not be offered any scholarship funding for their place). Both the GSP and National Committee application routes select students based on the core UWC Selections Criteria.
For more information on GSP entry, please click here.